Chapter 5: Supplemental Oxygen Therapy

Introduction

Oxygen therapy may be needed as part of the treatment plan in COPD. As lung damage gets worse
the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen is impaired. This results in a condition known as “hypoxemia.”
This means the level of oxygen in the blood is lowered. The long-term effects of hypoxemia can be
damaging and life-threatening.

 

Last update: February 17, 2010